5 Family Resorts You Can Drive To From Manila

Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than to embark on a fun road trip with the family. Check out these resorts that are sure to cool you down during the sizzling hot summer months -- no plane ticket required!

The first and only hanging gardens spa in the country, Luljetta’s commands a panoramic view of Laguna de Bay, the Manila skyline, and the sprawling Rizal countryside. Inspired by travels in the Philippines and Asia, Luljetta's showcases tropical architecture, locally-sourced furniture, and water amenities and spa services with the Filipino aesthetic in mind.

IMAGE Luljettas Hanging Gardens

Families can relax and recharge at the lounges where they can watch a movie, have a good read, or simply take a dip from one pool to another. Sunsets here are spectacular, so make sure to book a massage in one of the tropical-inspired cabins. The newest addition to the property -- Luljetta's Place Bed & Breakfast -- is an ideal alternative for kids because it has kiddie and lap pools.

How to get there: From Ortigas CBD, Luljetta's is just about an hour drive away. If taking public transportation, ride the LRT to the Santolan Station in Marikina City. Antipolo bound public utility vehicles (FX and Jeep) going to Antipolo Cathedral are available here. Loreland Farm Resort, inside which Luljetta's is located, is just a short tricycle ride from the city proper of Antipolo City. The fare is Php 50.00.

With 11 breathtaking pocket pools and six other kinds of pools in one property, Shercon Resort will give you a refreshing break from the bustling city. Nestled amidst the highlands of Lipa, the resort also commands an unparalleled view of nearby Tagaytay. You may choose from among the well-appointed suites, cabins, and dormitory-type rooms.

IMAGE Shercon ResortThe Forestville Cabins

How to get there: Ride a bus going to Lipa, Batangas (via Jam, DLTB etc.) and alight at Lipa extension or Tambo Jollibee. From there, ride a jeepney going to Mataas na Kahoy and alight at 7/11. Take a tricycle to Shercon Resort. The resort is also accessible via private vehicle.

Just about three hours away from Manila is an exclusive resort with a laidback setting near the Caliraya Lake. Families will enjoy the inviting infinity pool and the relaxing massage huts. They can also indulge in fun-filled activities such as boating, fishing, and jet skiing. You can bring in food without corkage fees and cook or reheat them in the villa’s fully equipped kitchen.

IMAGE Porto VerdeMassage huts

How to get there: From Buendia, hop on a bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From Sta. Cruz, take a jeep going to Sta. Cruz Market, and from there, transfer to a jeepney going to Brgy. Lumot, Cavinti Laguna. The place is easy to locate as you will see signages along the way.

Located beside the popular surfing destination, Baler, Aurora is also home to the scenic coastal town of Dingalan. With SCTEX now open, the northeastern side of Luzon becomes more accessible within just about four hours’ drive by car or five hours by public transportation.

Fil Dane Inn is an eco-friendly boutique hotel in Dingalan that is personally managed by the owners’ daughter, Lei Andrea Hofman. “The entire hotel is eco-friendly; it is solely sustainable and runs on green power. We have our own windmill for the water supply, and solar panels for the electricity,” she shares.

IMAGE Efren ReyesTanawan Falls in Dingalan, Aurora

Parents and children alike can take delight in the large open spaces perfect for playing games, as well as the modestly-sized, 4-foot deep kiddie pool. Private tours, such as trekking to Tanawan falls, biking around the mountains of Sierra Madre, and snorkeling by the water caves, are also on offer.

At Fil Dane Inn, guests with kids are usually billeted at the ground floor (depends on room availability) for added safety and easier accessibility.

How to get there: From Manila, board a bus (Baliwag Transit, Victory Liner, or 5 Star SCTEX/Cabanatuan route). Upon arrival at Cabanatuan City terminal, take the Dingalan Express bus, or the shuttle van bound to Dingalan. The hotel is easy to locate once you are in Dingalan town proper, as most locals know where it is.

Off the western side of Central Luzon is Zambales, a province home to an array of resorts -- both simple and luxurious. Whether you want to trek the famous Mt. Pinatubo crater or the idyllic Capones Island, one thing is for sure: you need a quiet retreat after a day of exhilarating activities! One family-friendly resort to consider is Rama Beach Resort, which features sprawling gardens and shores perfect for playing sports such as volleyball and badminton. Parents and kids alike can try skimboarding or surfing.

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IMAGE Rama Beach Resort

How to get there: The resort is about four hours away from Manila via private car. It is also accessible via public transportation. Hop on a Victory Liner bus from Cubao, Sampaloc or Pasay to Santa Cruz or Iba, Zambales. Get off Brgy. Binoclutan, Botolan, right on Marker KM 189, where the resort is.